Everybody Wanted to Stop… There Were Tears in the Eyes” – Tadej Pogačar Explains Mid-Race Cancellation of Tre Valli Varesine
The 2024 edition of Tre Valli Varesine, one of Italy’s most historic one-day races, took an unexpected and emotional turn when the race was suddenly cancelled midway due to unprecedented circumstances. Tadej Pogačar, one of the leading riders and a figure synonymous with modern cycling’s highest level of competition, shared his thoughts on this unusual and heartbreaking moment in a post-race interview, revealing the emotional weight of the situation and the universal sentiment among the riders to stop racing.
Tre Valli Varesine, held in the province of Varese in northern Italy, is a prestigious race that often serves as a final preparation for riders heading into the last phase of the season, including Il Lombardia. The race, part of the UCI ProSeries, brings together some of the world’s best climbers and all-rounders, with its challenging course featuring rolling hills and punchy climbs.
For Tadej Pogačar, who had enjoyed a stellar 2024 season, this race was another opportunity to test his form. Having won several monumental races throughout the year, the Slovenian rider was once again a top contender. Alongside him were other giants of the peloton, including Remco Evenepoel, Tom Pidcock, and Mathieu van der Poel. The race promised to be a showdown between the best in the business.
However, as the riders powered through the course, the day took a turn no one could have predicted.
As Pogačar later explained, “Everything was going smoothly until the midway point when we started noticing something was off.” While the precise details of the incident leading to the cancellation remain unclear, it became evident that external factors, whether related to weather, safety concerns, or an unforeseen event on the route, caused a major disruption.
“There were discussions among us, the riders, and we could see it on everyone’s faces,” Pogačar said. “Nobody wanted to continue under those conditions. Safety was a priority, but it was also about the mood and the atmosphere that had suddenly changed.”
What followed was an emotional scene, unlike anything seen in recent races. “There were tears in the eyes of some riders,” Pogačar recalled. “Everybody wanted to stop, and the organizers made the right decision by calling off the race.”
What struck many observers was the collective response from the peloton. In the often cutthroat world of professional cycling, where every rider is fiercely competitive and pushing for the slightest advantage, there was a rare show of unity. “It was clear that we were all in agreement,” Pogačar stated. “Nobody was thinking about winning or gaining an edge. We just wanted to make sure everyone was safe and that the right decision was made.”
According to other riders present, including Pidcock and Evenepoel, the situation quickly escalated to a point where continuing seemed impossible. The nature of the event leading to the cancellation seemed to bring the peloton closer together, highlighting the human side of professional sport.
“In moments like these, you realize that we’re all just people, facing the same risks, dealing with the same emotions,” Pogačar reflected. “It’s not just about racing, it’s about ensuring that we all make it home safely.”
The cancellation of a race is never an easy decision for organizers, especially one as prestigious as Tre Valli Varesine, which has been a staple of the Italian cycling calendar since its inception in 1919. For riders who had spent weeks preparing for the event, the sudden halt was not just physically jarring but emotionally intense.
Pogačar admitted that the mood in the peloton after the race was subdued. “I think we were all in shock, to be honest,” he said. “It’s not something you expect to happen, and when it does, it takes a while to process.”
The sight of riders embracing each other, many of them with tears in their eyes, was a testament to the emotional toll that the situation took. “It was one of those rare moments where you see how much this sport means to everyone, but also how fragile everything can be,” Pogačar mused. “One minute you’re racing, the next, everything stops.”
While the abrupt end to Tre Valli Varesine was a disappointment, the collective relief among riders that everyone was safe overshadowed any frustration. Pogačar, known for his resilience, quickly shifted his focus to the future, acknowledging that the events of the day would stay with him and the rest of the peloton.
“I think it will take time for everyone to come to terms with what happened, but we also know that there are more races ahead, more opportunities to push ourselves,” Pogačar said. “But I think today was a reminder for all of us that, as much as we love this sport, safety and well-being are always the top priorities.”
With Il Lombardia looming on the horizon, many of the same riders will likely regroup and refocus their energies on the final Monument of the season. For Pogačar, who has won the race multiple times, the focus will undoubtedly return to competition, but the memory of Tre Valli Varesine 2024 will likely linger as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport.
In the days following the cancellation, the cycling community has continued to reflect on what transpired at Tre Valli Varesine. Riders, fans, and organizers alike have praised the decision to stop the race, emphasizing that it was the right call under the circumstances.
Pogačar’s candid explanation of the emotions in the peloton has resonated with many. “It’s not often that you see this side of cycling,” he said. “But it’s important to remember that we’re all human, and sometimes, things are bigger than the race.”
In a sport often defined by its relentless pursuit of victory, the events of Tre Valli Varesine 2024 stand as a poignant reminder of the human element that lies at the heart of cycling. For Tadej Pogačar and his fellow riders, it was a day that will not soon be forgotten.
